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Olivia Dunne and the LSU Tigers’ gymnastics squad are eagerly waiting for the NCAA Regional 2nd round scheduled on April 4. In the previous week, the second-seeded squad earned their 5th SEC Championship after breaking an impasse of several years. Moreover, more than 30 days have passed by since Olivia Dunne and her colleagues tasted defeat. So in such a merrier moment, the fans would expect the Tiger Ladies to display a resounding performance in Bud Walton Arena on April 4. However, in the meantime, in college basketball, the Tiger Nation faced a heartbreak on Monday. 

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In the battle to find a place in the final four, Angel Reese and her pack faced a defeat to Caitlin Clark’s Iowa. Since then, a reeling question filled the air of Baton Rouge: is there any avenge possible from Olivia Dunne and her gymnastics team over Iowa? Let’s have a look at the possibility. 

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Revenge could have many forms 

On Monday, the defending champion LSU Tigers had to suffer the defeat by the scoreline of 94-87. Eventually, it caused her team to slip from their position in the college basketball contest. However, the gymnastic squad might be able to avenge that unforgettable defeat. As of now, Olivia Dunne’s program remains far ahead compared to 36th-ranked Iowa. Furthermore, in the NCAA Regional 2nd round as well, the Iowa gymnastics couldn’t earn a position. In the same calendar, the black leotards will compete in other contests. 

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While LSU Tigers are inching towards the NCAA championship, the Iowa will play their NCAA Regional in Berkley, California. Moreover, the avenging could be counted already, as in the Team NQS, LSU Tigers’ women’s gymnastics squared claimed a colossal figure. In front of the Iowa’s 196.405 NQS, the LSU Tigers gathered 198.215. So, when the LSU Tigers gymnastics squad is three steps away from the championship title, the Iowa would have to cross 5 steps to reach the final.

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Olivia Dunne and the gymnastics champs ever ready for the final 

In college basketball, the LSU Tigers met their rival, Iowa, last year as well, in the final. On that occasion, the purple jersey won the fight. However, in the NCAA gymnastics, similar situations have not occurred. In the last several seasons, LSU Tigers gymnastics remained far ahead of the Iowa, minimizing the chance to face each other in the semi-final or final. Moreover, in regional championships, the Purple Tigers possess 14 titles so far. Such records have inspired Olivia Dunne and others to repeat the success. 

Expressing her mindset over wanting the victory, Olivia Dunne once claimed, “It would mean the world to this team and this university. It’s an unprecedented area for LSU gym to win a national championship.” Now, if the Iowa qualify for the rounds, then in either semi-final or final, it might face the LSU Tigers. That would be the fitting occasion to avenge Angel Reese’s defeat. 

Read more: Just a Month Into Long Distance, Olivia Dunne Admits to Missing Boyfriend Paul Skenes

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Written by

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Prasun Chakrabarty

2,302 Articles

Prasun Chakrabarty is a Senior Writer in the Olympic Sports division at EssentiallySports, where he covers track and field, gymnastics, swimming, and other Olympic disciplines. A seasoned journalist with three years at the company, Prasun's extensive knowledge and passion for track and field were evident from day one. With years of connections and research already established, he brought a unique edge to the ES Insights and Trends Desk. He has since become a key voice in the company's Olympic sports coverage. His star coverage includes World Athletics Indoor Championships, USATF Outdoor Championships, and reporting live from the U.S. Marathon Trials. His expertise earned him a special invitation from the Paris City Council to cover lead-up events ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Over time, his stories have sparked real-world impact. His piece on athlete mental toughness drew praise from Texas Volleyball head coach Jerritt Elliott, while a feature on winter sports caught the attention of Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, who engaged with it publicly. His reporting has made its way into Wikipedia, where editors have cited his work as a trusted source on Olympic sports. Being an alum of the Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP) and an active member of the ES Think Tank, he’s part of the team driving the site’s long-term coverage strategy.

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Suman Varandani

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